PEIL _WINTER17

LINDSAY WALKER A Q & Born in 1967 on Prince Edward Island, Lindsay Walker is self taught, and has been creating art as long as he can remember. His first sale was a drawing at the age of seven. Walker was introduced to the art of Robert Harris in the archives of The Confederation Centre of the Arts at an early age, and it left an impression on him that he would never forget. He absorbed the great care everyone was taking with the paintings, the white gloves, the awe of the work, and learned that this fellow Islander had been long gone, but his art would always remain. It turns out to be a philosophy of his to this day, to create art whose admiration can stand the test of time. His work is a reflection of his surroundings, and simpler times. with www.lindsaywalkerart.com

Q: How long have you been painting?

I've been painting since 1997 or so. I painted in school as well, juniour high and high school art classes. But I really caught the bug around '97, and I've been painting full time since 2003.

Q: How did you get started as an artist?

Well, I had a Government job in downtown Toronto all of the 90s, which is where I met my wife Jeanette. I showed her some of my old drawings, and she asked me to draw a wolf for her, and so I did that Christmas of '96. It was shortly thereafter she bought me a brand new set of oil paints and brushes, and I've had paint on all my clothes ever since. It's all down to her encouragement and pushing me to go for it really.

Q: What inspires you?

I would say, Mother Nature's endless beauty, and simple times.

Q: How long does it take to complete a painting?

It depends on the size and the amount of detail. I usually stretch all my own linen as well. So I'll figure out a subject, and make a canvas size to suit it. Generally, I would say the average painting would be a few months of 10-hour days. I have had one six foot piece on my studio wall for more than ten years now. I've got to finish it. But hey, Mona Lisa's smile took ten years to perfect too right?

Q: Do you do commissions or custom work?

I do. I love doing murals. I've been lucky enough to be commissioned to help paint the pediatrics ward at the QEHospital here on the Island, a Canadiana sport theme in Fort McMurray, Alberta that took six months to complete, and two great restaurant projects in Greenwich, and Manhattan NYC. Q: Do you now or do you plan to have an exhibit of your work? If so - when and where? If not - where can the public see your work? I am going to have a show in the spring at our studio space in Charlottetown. My work can also be found at The Dunes and Ellens Creek Gallery on the Island, and my website Lindsay Walker Art.com . Q: What goals do you have an artist for the future of your work? I'd love to travel some more and create large murals again. I always love challenging myself with something totally new. I love growing, and learning new things. But mostly, I'd love to be lucky enough to just keep painting.

Q: Do you have a favourite painting?

Yes, I do, and it's always been the same. My next one.

â–²Lindsay Walker (Lans Photography)

WINTER 2017 www.pei-living.ca

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